David's Coaching Diary: 1st - 7th December 2008

Community and School of Rugby Coach David Williams reports on his latest coaching expoits...

Monday 1st December

Pangbourne College - Charlie Ellison and Martin Hart 1st XV coach and Director of Sport.

The focus for the U14s session was on breakdown and improving the boys understanding of this vital area. I hope some of these pointers stand the boys in good stead for their upcoming Berks Cup fixture against Reading Blue Coat. It is hoped that London Irish can further develop links with the Pangbourne staff and boys.
From Pangbourne I moved across to an evening meeting at Wellington College. The meeting, headed by the knowledgeable Gavin Williams, was a planning and review session for the Berkshire Schools of Rugby coaches. The meeting gave the coaches a forum to discuss the year focusing on the good points and solutions for existing problems.

Tuesday 2nd December

Thorne Grove School, Newbury.

During my short stay I assisted with U11’s session working on their catch and pass skills. The boys were super enthusiastic and I departed wishing them well for their participation in the Prep Schools Festival on Wednesday. London Irish hope to see Adam and his boys as part of a Match day Mater-class in the near future.

Wednesday 3rd December

AM U13 Prep Schools Rugby Festival at Wellington College.

I used the day as a Talent ID for the future stars of the game within Berkshire, Hampshire and further a field. It is hoped that these top players will one day grace the Madejski turf in the colours of London Irish.

PM Reading Grammar School – Alex Beckey Director of Rubgy

Met with Alex who explained the structure of Rugby at the school. I then went out to the fields to watch the 2nd XV in action and look forward to working more closely with the guys in the near future.

Evening - Reading RFC.

This was my first visit to the ‘Green Machine’ and I was fortunate enough to get to work with both the u13 & u14 groups. The u13’s were working on their mauling technique and protecting the ball, I was given the opportunity to step in and offer some pointers on body position and leg drive. The u14’s were working on their overlap skills (2 vs 1, 3 vs 2), I was given the opportunity to step in and offer some pointers on alignment, depth & angle of run & communication.

Thursday 4th December

Sunningdale School - Ben Howroyd

I had the chance to run the bleep test with members of the school 1st XV. On completion of our meeting the school stated its intention to become involved in some of the schemes offered by London Irish and we set up a date in early 2009 where I plan to return to the school to deliver a few coach education sessions.

Redingensians U15s

The focus of the session was on the tackler and how he can become more effective in contact, looking at approach, fitting the tackle, leg drive and corkscrew. The boys were a pleasure to coach and their execution of the skills was of an extremely high standard – well done chaps!

Saturday 6th December

South West U16 Selection Day-Filton College Bristol

On Saturday I travelled across the country to Bristol to represent the London Irish Academy on the selection panel for the South West u16 Divisional Side. It was great to see the elite players in the South West coming together for a day of rugby. Well done to the Berkshire boys who progressed to the final squad.

Sunday 7th December

Community Club Partnership Re-launch at Andover RFC

On Sunday I worked as a member of the Community team on our Community Club Partnership presentation in Andover. My involvement on the day required me to present a coach the coaches’ seminar on the breakdown which was entitled ‘The Forgotten Man’. You can read more about this presentation in the Community News section!

Until next time!

David

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